Gas or vapor electric apparatus.



P. G. HEWITT.

GAS 0R VAPOR ELECTRIC APPARATUS.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. 18, 1902.

1,064,686, A Patented June 10, 1913.

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PETER co'orER HEWITT, on NEW YORK, N. Y., ASSIGNOR, BY MESNE ASSIGNMENTS,

ro COOPER HEWITT ELECTRIC COMPANY. or HOBOKEN, NEW JERSEY, A CORPORA- TION OF NEW JERSEY.

GAS 'DR VAPOR ELECTRIC APPARATUS.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented June 10, 1913.3,

Original application filed March 23, 1901, Serial No. 52,488. Divided a-m1 this application filed September 18,1902. Serial No. 123,874.

To all whom "ii may concern Be it known that I, PETER Goornn 'IIEW- rr'r, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of New York, in the county of New York and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Gas or Vapor Electric Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of 'electric apparatus in which the conducting medium is a vapor or gas. The apparatusmay be used as a lamp or source of light or various otherpur-poses. In certain patents issued to me on the 17th day of September, 1901, for example, United States Patent #682,690 and 682,695, I have described various "forms of vapor or gas electric apparatus, and the present invention relates more particularly to means for conveniently starting and. operating lamps or other gas or vapor electric apparatus in which the phenomena at the negative electrode constitute an important part '05. the resistance to startmg.

I have found that in an apparatus having a vapor or gas path intervenmg between the negative and positive electrode, under certain conditions ofpurity, thereis an apparent reluctance on -the part of the current to enter the negative electrode. I have further found that the tendency of the-current is to assume a path between the positive electrode and that portion of the negative electrode which is remote therefrom. For instance, in a tube of considerable length constituting the inclosin'g chamber of the apparatus, if a conducting rod constituting an extension of the negative elect-rodebe extended through a considerable portion 'ofthe length of the tube, the current will enter the negative electrode at a point, generally speaking, as remote as possible from "the positive electrode, instead of traversing the extended. conductor. The exact explanation of this phenomenon is not "essential to a description of my invention. -From ex eriments which I have made, however, I believe that it is proven beyond reasonable doubt that the current tends to remain in the vapor path as long as possible before en-teri ing the negative electrode.

For the purpose of, starting the apparatus,I sometimes employ some spec al means for overcoming the initial reluctance of the current to traverse the space immediately surrounding the negative electrode. I have found, however, that by making an' actual electrical connection between the positive and negative electrodes and then separating the two while 'current is flowing, it will continue "to flow under the influence of a moderate difference of potential, the negative resistance to starting having thus been elimin-afted.

I avail myself of the phenomenon of the reluctance of the current to enter the nega t=ive electrode by extending one of the electrodes of the apparatus to a point near the other electrode and providing means for first bringing the two electrodes into electrical contact and then causing a break or open space to be made between the two whereupon the current which is first established at the junction is caused to pass through the vapor and immediately traverse the gas or vapor path of the apparatus, entering the ne ative electrode at a point remote from t e positive electrode. Many different means may be employedfor securing the initial contact between the electrodes and obtaining the break in the continuity thereof.

For the purpose of illustration, I may select an apparatus containing mercury as the negative electrode, and I may cause a rod of some conducting material to pass from the negative electrode into and through a considerable length of vapor, that is to say, through practically the entire opera-ting vapor path. In electrical contact with the remote end of this rod, I may bring the positive electrode (which may be of iron or including the two electrodes in the circuit of the magnet or solenoid, when the elecsolenoid outside the inclosing vessel. By

'-of apparatus in which the' extension of the chamber, and may be regarded as a part or trodes are in contact, I may cause the initial current passing through the contacting electrodes to separate the contacts and to bring about the condition in whichithe current se lects the vapor path instead of the path through the solid extension of the negative electrode. Other means of separating the electrodes may be employed.

In the accompanying drawing, Figure 1 shows one form of device suited for the purposes .of the invention; and Fig. 2 illustrates a modification.

'In the drawings, 1 have illustrated a form negativeelectrode is completely cut out of circuit when the apparatus is in operation.

The inclosing' tube or chamber of a gas or vapor elect-ric device is shown in the drawing at 1. A conductor, 5, extends through the entire length of the tube orextension of the negative electrode of the de vice, the true negative electrode being shown as a mass or puddle of mercury, 5 or 5*, near the opposite side of the device. The conductor 5 is shown as being surrounded near its respective ends by rings, 2 and 2", which, when the device is not in operation lie against. the rod 5, being pivoted at 6, 6, and connected with the external circuit by wires, 7 and 7, respectively. A small quantity of mercury may surround the base of each of these rings. It will be understood that the rings 2 and 2" are either themselves magnetic, or carry magnetic armatures.

In the circuit of the device are included magnets, 16, 16, which are adapted to act upon the contact rings, 2* and 2 when the magnets are energized.

The operation of this device is as follows: When the circuit is closed, current will pass through the respective rings 2 and 2, as well as the intermediate portion of the rod 5 and through the action of the magnets 16, 16, the contact rings 2 and 2 will he lifted from the rod, thus cutting it out of circuit. The current will then traverse the gas path between the positive and negative electrodes of the device, and one of the rings 2 or 2" will act as the positive electrode, while the mercury 5 or the mercury 5? will act as the corresponding negative electrode, dependingon which way the current is flowing through the device.

If desired, one of the magnets may be 1 made to act more slowly than the other, so that the separation will take place at the corresponding electrode subsequent to the separation at the other electrode.

In some cases it is desirable to heat the vapor within the device, and I have found that the extension of the negative electrode may be employed for that purpose by the initial current passing thcrcthrough, or,

current from another source may be causedv to traverse this extension raising its tempcrature -to the required degree and thus raising the temperature of the device. This heating effect may be discontinued when the vapor has acquired the desired temperature. When the apparatus is in operation the heating current. may be discontinued. A wire may be run through any of the ap aratus to serve as a heater without inter ering with the device.

"The present application is a division of another application by the same inventor, the said earlier application having been filed March 23, 1901, and numbered 52,488.

' The rings 2 and 2 may be made of such size that the one acting as a positive electrode will become heated by the flow of an excess of current to a point where it will' lose its magnetic quality, and thereupon it will cease to be held up by the corresponding magnet, and will therefore fall back to its position of contact, thus substantially cutting the device out and preventing it from being injured; returning, however, to its position of no contact when cooled.

In Fig. 2 I have shown a separate source of current-connected with the terminals of the rod 5, such source being represented at 8, a suitable switch, 9, being included in its circuit. The connections, however, may be derived from the same source as the-main current, as indicated in Fig. 1 by the conductors 10 and 11 in which case a circuit breaker, 12, may be included in the circuit leading to the device and adapted to act only after such an interval. as will afford the proper amount of heating to the device. This initial heating action may be more fully explained as follows: Considering first the connection in which the separate source 1s used for heating the container as illustrated in Fig. 2, it is evident that upon .the v closure. of the switch 9, current will. flow from the generator 8, through the device. The conductor 5, which must be proper: tioned suitably to take the proper amount of current from the generator 8, to heat the device, will then dissipate the energy of the current and produce the desired physical condition in the apparatus. The arrange ment shown is economical and advantageous, since in the absence of series resistance or other auxiliary devices in the leads of the generator 8, all the energy there supplied, goes toward heating the conductor. It is evident that other arrangements might be used without departing from the present the heating current is received from the same source as the normal energy. supply,

the starting operation.

shown in Fig. 1, a similar result is produced.

Upon the application of potential to the mains of the device, a double [low of current takes place; first, through the hurting circuit by Way of thc'conductors 10 and 11 and the circuit breaker 12. Here, as before, the conductor 5, which must be suitably prop'ortioned to the voltage of the supply, receives current and generates heat which will produce the desired effect. Here, as in Fig. 2, the proportioning of the conductor to receive current directly from the supply without Waste in external controlling devices, adds to the efliciency and economy of the system. It is evident, however, that other arrangements might be used without departing from the present invention. Upon the application of potential current will also flow from the supply through a second circuit containing the magnets 16 and the electrodes 5 and 5 and the rings 2 and 2 and the conductor 5. This current will operate the magnets 16 and their corresponding armatures 2 and 2 which will start the de vice when the proper condition is produced by the initial heating current as already do scribed. The arrangement shown provides for the continuous flow of heating current in the initial stages before the normal operation of the apparatus independently of'the making and breaking of ccmtact by the rings 2 and 2". It is, however, to be noted that both paths receive their current from the same source and are supplied with the same potential, and, further, that the heating conductor 5, before it is cut out of circuit, re ceives the full line potential, whereas the Va por path within the device will usually receive a less voltage. It is important to no lice that the specific device and circuits shown in this figure is very often not only well adapted to economically and etliciently supply initial heating to the container in view of the absence of external energy consuming controlling devices, but'that it is also especially well adapted to facilitalc Since the voltage impressed upon the conductor 5 is usually higher than that impressed upon the vapor column, its resistance is comparable with that of the vapor column and relatively higher.- This condition has been found in actual practice under certain conditions to facilitate greatly the extension of" the current between the electrodes.

I claim as my invention 1. In an electric gas or'vapo'r apparatus of the character described, the combination with a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and means for forming a solid electrical connection between the two electrodes within the apparatus, of electro-magnets acting to sever such connection, one of the said magnets being adapted to act more slowly than the other.

2. In an electric gas or vapor apparatus of the class described, the combinatlon with a negative electrode and a positive elect-rode, of means for forming a solid electrical connection between the two electrodes within the apparatus, such means consisting of a metallic conductor which is adapted to carry the normal current without excessive heating, but which will become heated to a red heat by the How of an excess of current.

3. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, the combination of a positive electrode, a negative electrode and an extension of one of the electrodes reaching between the electrodes. said extension constituting means for forming a solid electrical connection between the two electrodes within the apparatus, together with means for interrupting such connection near one electrode and means for subsequently separating said extension from the other electrode at or near one end.

4. In an electric gas or vapor apparatus of the character described. the combination with a vapo-rizable negative electrode and a positive electrode, of means for forming a solid electrical connection between the said electrodes within the apparatus, such connection including said anode and depending upon magnetic material in connection therewith, which material is adapted to carry the normal current without excessive heating but which will become heated to a red heat by the flow of excessive current, the said magnetic conductor being acted upon by a magnet for severing the connection between said conductor and the solid electrical connection between the electrodes.

5. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, the combination of a negative electrode, a positive electrode. means for forming a solid electrical connection between the electrodes within the apparatusymeans for severing such connection at one of said electrodes, and means for subsequently severing such connection at the other electrode.

6. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, the combination of a negative electrode, a positive electrode, means for forming a solid electrical connection between the electrodes within the apparatus, and means for severing. such connection at a plurality of points.

7. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, a plurality of electrodes therein. means for fanning a solid electrical connection between the electrodes within the apparatus, and means for severing such connection at a plurality of electrically intermediate points.

8. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus. a

plurality of electrically intermediate points in succession.

9. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, the combination of a container, electrodes .therein, means for forming conductive connection between the electrodes within the apparatus, and means for severing such connection at a plurality of points.

10. In a gas or. vapor electric apparatus,

the combination of a container, electrodes of the character. described, the combinationwith a negative electrode, a positive electrode, and means for forming a conductive connection between the two electrodes with.- in the apparatus, of electro-magnets acting to sever such connection, one of the said 'magnets being adapted to act more slowly than the other.

12. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, the combination of a negative electrode, a positive electrode, means for forming a conductive connection between the-two elec-' trodes within the apparatus, means for severing such connection at the positive el.ectrode,and means for subsequently severing the connection at the negative electrode.

13. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus, a container, electrodes therein, aconducting rod extending through at least a portion of the said container, rings adapted. to rest.

against said rod and connected, respectively, with the positive and negative electrodes within the apparatus, and means for removing the said rings from contact with the rod.

14. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus,

' a container, electrodes therein, a conducting rod extending through at least a portion of the said container, rings adapted to rest against saidrod and connected, respectively,

with the positive and negative electrodes within the apparatus, and means for successively removing the said rings from contact with' the rod.

15. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus,

a container, electrodes therein, aconducting rod extending through at least a portionof the said container, rings adapted to rest against said rod and connected, respectively, with the positive and negative electrodes within the apparatus, and means for removingthe said rings from contact with the rod, such means consisting of electro-magnets adapted-to act upon the said rings.

16.111 a gas or vapor electric apparatus,

1 a container, electrodes therein, a conducting rod extending through at least a portion of the said container, rings adapted to rest against said rod and connected, respectively, with the positive and negative electrodes within the apparatus, and means for-successively removing the said rings from contact with the rod, such means consisting of elec negative electrode therefor, of a conductor tro-magnets adapted to act upon the said rings, one of the saidmagnets being rela tively sluggish in its action.

1.7. In an electric gas or vapor apparatus of the class described, the combination with a negative electrode and a ositive electrode, of means for forming a s id electrical connection between the two electrodes within the apparatus, such means consisting of a metallic conductor which is adapted to carry the normal current without excessive heating, but which will become heated to a red heat by the flow of an excess of current, and a cut-out in the circuit leading to the apparatus.

18. The combination with a gas or vapor electric apparatus comprising a conducting gas or vapor, a positive electrode and a negative electrode therefor, of a conductor between the positive and the negative electrode, andmeans for severing the said conductor near both electrodes.

19. The combination with a gas or vapor electric apparatus comprising a conductinggas or vapor, a positive and a negative electrode therefor, of a conductor between the positive and the negative electrode, and automatic means for severing. the said conductornear both electrodes. I

20. The combination with a gasor vapor electric apparatus comprising a conducting gas or vapor, a positive and a negative electrode therefor, of a conductor between the positive and. the, negative electrode, and means for successively severing the said conductor nearboth electrodes. v

21. The combination with a gas or vapor' electric apparatus comprising a conductlng gas or vapor, a positive electrode and 'a between the positive and the negative electrode, and automatic means for successively severing the said conductor near both elec trodes.

22.. The combination wit-ha or vapor electric apparatus comprising a conducting gas or vapor, a positlve and a negative electrode therefor, of a conductor between the positive and the negative'electrode, and electro-magnetic, means for severing the said conductor near both electrodes. 23. The combination with a gas or vapor electric apparatus comprising a conducting gas or vapor, a positive electrode and a negative electrode therefor, of a conductor between the positive and the negative electrode, and electro-magnetic means for success-ivelysevering the said conductor near both electrodes. .24. The-combination with a gas or vapor 12 electric apparatus comprising a conducting gas .or-vapor, a positive and a negative electrode therefor, of a conductor between the positive and the negative electrode, and auductor near. both electrodes, the 'ffl tfli the positive electrode taking place prior to that at the negative.

25. The combination with a gas or vapor electric apparatus comprising a conducting gas or va or, a positive electrode and a negative e ectrode therefor, of a conductor between the positive and the negative electrode, and automatic means for successively severing the said conductor near both electrodes, the rupture oi the positive electrode taking place prior to. that at the negative electrode.

26. The combination with a gas or vapor electric apparatus comprising a conducting gas or vapor, a positive electrode and a negative electrode therefor, ofa conductor between the positive and the negative electrode, and electromagnetic means for successively severing the said conductor near both electrodes, the rupture of the positive electrode taking place prior to-thatat the negative electrode.

27. In a gas or vapor apparatus of the character described, the combination --of a positive electrode, a negative electrode,

means for forming a solid conneetionbe- 'vapor, a solid heating conduct-or inside the apparatus operative prior to the starting of the device, and means for short-circuiting the heat conductor when the apparatus is in operation.

30. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus of the character described, a hermetically sealed container, two electrodes within the same, one of which is volatilizable, a conductin'g gas or vapor between the electrodes, one electrode having a projection in the form of 'a solid conductor extending into electrical connection with the other electrode, and

means for cutting the projection out of circuit when the apparatus is in operation; v

31. In a gas or vapor apparatus of the character described, a hermetically sealed container, two electrodes within the same, a conducting gas or vapor between the electrodes, one electrode having a projection in the form of a solid conductor extending into electrical connection with the other electrode, in combination with means brought into operation by the current traversing the apparatus when inv operation for completely cutting the said pro ection out of circult.

32. In a gas orvapor apparatus of the character described, a hermetically sealed container, two electrodes within the same, 1

is of vaporizable material, and a high resist ance filament or conductor normally connecting the electrodes.

34.- In a vapor electric apparatus, the combination of electrodes of vaporizable material, a filament extending from one electrode to another, and means for disc0nne0ting the filament.

35. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus of the character described,. an, inclosing, envelop, electrodes therein, a conducting gas or vapor, a solid heating conductor inside the apparatus, and means for causing the same to furnish heat to the apparatus only during the starting period.

36. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus of the character described, an incloslng envelop, electrodes therein, a conducting gas or vapor, a solid heating conductor inside the apparatus adapted to furnish initial heat thereto, and means for short-circuiting the heating conductor when the apparatus is in condition.

37. In a gas or vapor electric apparatus of the character described, a hermetically sealed container, two electrodes within the same, one of which is vaporizable, a conducting gas or vapor between the electrodes, one electrode having a projection in the form of a; solid conductor extending into electrical connection with the other .electrode, and means for cutting the projection out of circuit when the apparatus is in operation.

38. In a gas or vapor apparatus of the character described, a hermetically sealed container, two electrodes within the same, a conducting gas or vapor between the electrodes, one electrode having a projection in the form of a solid conductor extending into electrical connection with the other electrode, in combination with means brought into operation by the current traversing the apparatus when in operation for completely cutting the said projection out of circuit..

39. In a gas or vapor apparatus ofthe character described, a hermetically sealed container, two electrodes within the same, a conducting gas or vaporbetween the electrodes, one electrode having a projection of the form of a solid conductor extending the combination of a container, a negative I i into electrical connection with the other Y electrode, a positive electrode, a filamentary electrode, and means for cutting the projection out of circuit when the apparatus is in operation.

40. In a vapor electric apparatus, a combination of electrodes one at least of which is adapted toemit vapor, and a high resistance filament or conductor normally con necting the electrodes.

41. In a vapor electric apparatus, the combination of electrodes adapted to emit vapor, a filament extending from one electrode to another, and means for disconnecting the filament.

42. A starting means for vapor electric device, comprising an electric circuit therein, means located in said device for generating heat from current flow in said circuit,

and a cut out for said starting circuit, means for delaying the action of said outout for a certain period. 7

43. In an apparatus of the class described,

electrode extending from the vicinity of the a positive electrode to the vicinity of the neg- .ative electrode, connections for the several electrodes, and a resistance in the connections to the filamentary electrode.

44.. In a vapor electric apparatus, the combination of an envelop or container,;a negative electrode, a positive electrode, a filament extending i'rom the vicinity of the positive electrode to the vicinity of the negative elect-rode, connections for the several electrodes, connectlon-s for the filament and the electrode, and a resistance in the connections to the filament.

Signed at New York, in the county of New York, and State of New York, this fifteenth day of September A. D. 1902.

PETER COOPER HEWITT. \Vitnesses:

REGINALD BEIFIELD, lVM. H. CAPEL. 

